The Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland also refused his award — the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
Vasyl Bodnar made this decision in response to Poland's move to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the highest Polish state award — the Order of the White Eagle, RBC-Ukraine writes.
The diplomat emphasized that Ukraine and Poland remain close partners, united by common interests in the fields of security, defense, reconstruction, and European integration.
At the same time, Bodnar called the decision regarding Zelenskyy «historically unfair» and one that is painfully perceived amidst ongoing Russian aggression.
«Let's remember that our disputes always benefit the enemy — Moscow. I once again call for an open conversation. I am confident that with goodwill, we will find reasonable solutions,» the ambassador noted.
Earlier, after Zelenskyy was stripped of Poland's main award — the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland — Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Presidential Office, and Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, also refused their awards.
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